Pharmacological manipulation of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors in the isolated perfused rat kidney, effects on renal vascular resistance and renin secretion rate

Abstract

Renin was first described in 1898 by Tigerstedt and Bergmann. It is a proteolytic enzyme involved in the renin -angiotensin system which plays an important role in blood pressure regulation. Several factors are recognized which may influence renin secretion. These factors are renal perfusion pressure, sodium concentration at the macula, densa, renal sympathetic nerve activity, alterations in extracellular sodium concentration and volume, and various humoral factors (hormones, prostaglandines etc.). Because of the complex interrelation between these factors difficulties are encountered when one attempts to clarify the interrelation between vasoactivity, sympathetic nerve activity and renin secretion. This is reflected in the literature where considerable controversy remains on which adrenoceptor subtype